KOKOMO, IN (WSAU) — Multiple reports out of Kokomo, Indiana indicate the Northwoods League will be expanding to the Hoosier state in 2019.
The Kokomo Tribune reported last week the Kokomo Jackrabbits will join the Wisconsin and Minnesota-based circuit after their 4th season in the Prospect League.
In a press release, Jackrabbits ownership called the move a step up from their current league. “We are definitely looking forward to facing a whole new spectrum of teams and talent,” said Mike Zimmerman, CEO of ROC Ventures and owner of the Jackrabbits.
Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight echoed those comments to the Tribune. “The Jackrabbits have made a home here while playing exciting baseball. The opportunity to move up to a stronger league will give local fans a front row seat to a high caliber of play,” he said.
The Prospect League operates in the same manner as the Northwoods League, offering players with NCAA or NAIA eligibility the opportunity to continue honing their skills in the summer. The league currently sits at 12 teams with Kokomo and stretches from Hannibal, Missouri to Butler, Pennsylvania and Beckley, West Virginia.
ROC Ventures is a Milwaukee-based company that also owns the Milwaukee Wave indoor soccer team. The company is also planning an independent minor-league baseball team for the Milwaukee area that will begin play in the American Association in 2019.
The move would bring the Northwoods League to 20 teams for the 2019 season with the addition of the St. Croix River Hounds in Hudson. Expansion to Mitchell, South Dakota has also been long rumored for the 2019 season as well, however that seems unlikely given it would move the league to an odd number of teams.
An ownership group in Mitchell received city approval for a team for 2018 however the club was not included on the league’s schedule for this season.
(Information from the Kokomo Tribune was used in this report)
